Artist of the Week: Terry Vo

Terry Vo, 18, sandwiched between her images, explains: "In my (Vietnamese) culture, it's deemed as socially unacceptable to thrive in fields other than medicine or law. However, why should I pursue a future that I don't truly enjoy? Why can't I combine my knack for academics and my love for art? Cosmetic formulation is my answer."CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Terry Vo stands out as one of La Quinta High School photography teacher Preston Aldous’ best students. Accepted into Aldous’ advanced photography class during her freshman year, Vo submitted her photographs to the Laguna Beach Art Show and had five of them selected. As a junior, she scored a five on the AP photography exam, the highest possible score, making her Aldous’ first student to achieve that goal. Vo is also an outstanding academic student, ranking sixth in her class of 591 seniors this year.

Name: Terry Vo

School: La Quinta High School

Grade: 12

Hometown: Westminster

How did you get involved in photography? I started during fifth grade when my sister was enrolled in a photography class at her high school. Her creativity inspired me to pick up the camera. In seventh grade, I enrolled in my very first photography class and it has been an incredible journey ever since.

Who is your favorite artist/photographer? Annie Leibovitz. I love the variation in her work. She gives a modern twist to celebrity portraiture that evokes an array of emotions from the viewer. While some pieces are simple, straightforward photographs, others are elaborate and highly detailed, most notably the “Disney Dream Portraits” series, which is one the most nostalgic works I have ever seen. Her bold yet elegant style within high-fashion photography is so inspirational to me. Beyond that, I love the fact that she is so talented at such a diverse range of photography techniques.

Who have been your influences? Did you have a mentor in your development as an artist? If so, how did they help you? Although my sister introduced me to photography, my art teachers have been my major influences. My middle school photography teacher, Mr. Bixby at McGarvin Intermediate, taught me the fundamentals of photography. My current art teacher, Mr. Aldous, has continued to support me in my creative endeavors. He always challenges me to go one step beyond what I think is a finished product. He constantly pushes me beyond my limits as a photographer, which has (helped) me stay in photography for all four years of high school. It has always been intriguing to see what other directions he can push me in as an artist.

What inspires you? Fashion magazines inspire me the most. Ironically, when I buy magazines, I don’t buy them for the editorials, but for the advertisements. I love the high fashion and the flawless makeup depicted in every ad. My obsession with Vogue-esque pictures is evident in my enormous magazine collection! Photography magazines, such as Rangefinder and Shutterbug, also inspire me to further improve my photography techniques.

Other than photography, are you involved in any other activities? If yes, what are they? At my school, I’m heavily involved in a few leadership roles, such as ASB and Girls’ League. I am also the occasional makeup artist for events. In my off time, I love to go to my local archery range and let loose!

What do you get out of taking pictures? I love the feeling of creating an image that has never been created before. It’s enjoyable to find works and challenge myself on how I can do something similar but with my own twist. Through photography, I can explore what beauty really is.

How do the arts figure into your long-term goals? I have always wondered: Why can’t I combine my knack for academics and my love for art? Cosmetic formulation is the answer. My love for high-fashion photography led me to the world of cosmetics. All the colors, textures and formulations absolutely fascinated me, and the ability to manipulate a human canvas was like manipulating in the viewfinder. So, yes, you can say that I’m still pursuing academics since the chemistry requirements to become a cosmetic formulator are rigorous, but I have no doubt that I can bring that creative edge needed to revolutionize the cosmetic world. You can say my art and academics are at “equilibrium!”

What is the best advice you have received? My photography teacher has always told me, “If it’s important, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you’ll find an excuse.” This has been the reason why I have been involved in photography for so long. If you love it, quitting is not an option.

Do you have any other thoughts about being a photographer that you would like to share with us? If you have a passion for something, you can find a way to do it for the rest of your life. For me, I have always known that photography would be a staple in my life, but I also knew leaving behind my academics was not an option. Within my culture, it is rather difficult to stray away from the academics. However, I’m not going to let that stop me in pursuing what I love, both academically and artistically.

Do you know of an exceptional arts student that deserves to be profiled as our Artist of the Week? Call or email us at 714-796-2258 or varsityarts@ocregister.com

Terry Vo, 18, sandwiched between her images, explains: "In my (Vietnamese) culture, it's deemed as socially unacceptable to thrive in fields other than medicine or law. However, why should I pursue a future that I don't truly enjoy? Why can't I combine my knack for academics and my love for art? Cosmetic formulation is my answer." CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"After Work" by Terry Vo TERRY VO
La Quinta High School student Terry Vo, 18, plans on combining her love of art and chemistry for a career in cosmetic formulations. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"Art Pop" by Terry Vo TERRY VO
Although La Quinta High School student Terry Vo, 18, is used to being on the other side of the camera, she is graceful in front of it. She hopes to stay strongly connected to the modeling world from behind the camera and will continue to take photo classes in college. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"Grandma" by Terry Vo TERRY VO
La Quinta High student Terry Vo, 18, emphasizes: "The chemistry requirements to become a cosmetic formulator are rigorous, but I have no doubt that I can bring that creative edge needed to revolutionize the cosmetic world. You can say my art and academics are at equilibrium.” CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"Purple Haze" by Terry Vo TERRY VO
Terry Vo hopes to follow her heart and passion to be a cosmetic formulator. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"Shallow" by Terry Vo TERRY VO
Terry Vo, 18, of Westminster is not only creative and passionate, but extremely intelligent, according to her La Quinta High School teacher. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Terry Vo, 18, of La Quinta High School took an image of her grandmother, left, which was featured in the prestigious Laguna Beach Art Show. Vo stayed up all night making a newspaper dress for a very well-executed illustration, center. Her images are advanced for her age, according to her instructor. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
"Trash" by Terry Vo TERRY VO

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